Albania

As expected, Eugent’s vocals are good right from the very first run-through. There are some missed cameras that currently risk giving a slightly introverted impression, but that’s what we have rehearsals for after all and no doubt this will be worked on going forward.
Eugent surrounded by band members on instruments. A few quick cuts in the camera feed, not sure that is done on purpose or if just due to 1st day of rehearsals. Very credible musicianship here.

Eugent is shrouded in blue-tinted darkness for the first verse before the first chorus springs the song into life and the lights come up. Red and yellow seems to be the choice of the day - similar colours to Iceland's lighting. Vocally, Eugent is already on top form and he mentioned previously that the focus would be on the song - that's just how it is. He stands centre-stage for most of the performance, really only moving from his spot towards the climax of the song. Very strong first rehearsal that saw some applause break out in the Press Room.

Everyone who saw our review from yesterday will not have missed that this is my big favourite this year, so naturally I was looking forward a lot to this rehearsal.

Eugent is joined on stage by his band and backings. While the vocals are absolutely outstanding once again, I am still not really sure what has just happened. It seems the backing track has been significantly slowed down and I'm not feeling this just yet, waiting for the next runs to get a better idea!

Second run, this is more like it! Now it sounds exactly as we have heard it before in the promotour and at the first live performance of the Eurovision version. Eugent is wearing a suit but one with some tweaks to make it rock a lot more.

In the run up to the first chorus the backings clap their hands as if they are making the sound effects, in later runs Eugent joins as well which is a bit of an unnecessary feature for me. What I would also like to see improved if the lighting in the beginning as he is standing in the dark for quite some time.

Congratulations to the delegations that made it to the final, but more important heartfelt commiserations to all the singers that did not make it to the final. You were all winners and all did an amazing job in front of the crowd and to those watching on television - you can all be very proud of yourselves today.

We hope that you will now all take the time to relax a little and enjoy Kyiv and remember that this is not the end but just the start...

In a few minutes the first dress rehearsal for semi-final one will start and we just heard that the opening act will be done twice. I'm live in the hall where I will keep you continually updated, so please refresh from time to time to read the latest news!

The start is delayed for a few minutes. Spain, Italy and UK will also perform.

And we're off! just 5 minutes later than initially planned We start with women wearing traditional gear and Ukrainian folk music in the background. Then a dancer on stage to be joined by Monatik, who proves to be very versatile: rapping, sing and dancing a very modern song that could've been a nice participating entry. Unfortunately I haven't been able to catch his name yet. I hope to update you on that after we have seen him again.

After the second run his name is not mentioned, but instead he introduces the hosts who are in casual clothes for this rehearsal. Some introductory speeches later the lineup for the semi-final is shown on screen and the voting is explained. No surprises here.

Next: song 1 from Sweden!
Post-card: Stills from Robin and his dancers, rehearsing, motor riding, getting ready to perform.
Performance: The lights seem to flicker a bit in the beginning. First time I notice it, not sure it's meant to be like that. Once again a very solid performance so it's bound to at least qualify and possibly do very well. On the other hand, there is still the issue with the 'OK' sign he makes with his hands that means something different in other countries.

song 2: Georgia:
Postcard: Rehearsing with Anri Jokahdze, running in the park, getting ready to perform and walk on stage (which seems a common thing already for all countries).
Performance: There's a delay in the start of the Georgian performance, so stay tuned! A solid performance by Tamara, who has no need at all to hold back.

song 3: Australia
Postcard: Isaiah in Melbourne and in a car, getting on a stage, watching the stars.
Performance: In the hall Isaiah really seems a bit overshadowed by his own images on the screen. A very good performance again. No further issues here.

song 4: Albania
Postcard:Running, singing with a band, doing sports, working on her dress and making the heart sign with her hands.
Performance: Vocals a bit shaky in the beginning. Only yesterday evening she was going all out in the Euroclub.
The long note is not working completely as it should so she sings it lower to save herself. Will be something to look at tonight and tomorrow evening.

song 5: Belgium
Postcard: Blanche playing the piano, reading, doing press conferences, autographs.
Performance: Blanche wears a different dress now - in black! so her nickname nnow no longer fits her outfit. The black dress is very dark, as the staging is as well. I know the white one was criticised a lot but I prefer it to what she wears now. The high parts near the end still sound very weak. However, a good reception in the hall.

Song 6: Montenegro:
Postcard: Slavko in the park, in a theater.
Performance: The visuals of Slvako while he lays on the floor have changed now. In blue, no more bright pink lipgloss. Looks a lot better and a bit less over the top. Slvako still fills the stage on his own, Could be better vocally. I am quite worried about its chances but I still enjoy this song a lot after a few ballads.

First break: Hosts on stage (minus greenroom host Timur). App mentioned. Timur in the greenroom speaking with who performed.

Song 7: Finland
Postcard: Norma John working/sitting together, walking in a building, shopping sunglasses, playing the piano.
Performance: Dry ice. Looks beautiful at the start. Vocally it seems not as solid as we have heard before. Big applause though.

Yesterday the delegation from The Netherlands held their reception at the sophisticated Premier Palace hotel in a nice atmospheric restaurant at the roof. The splendid weather and the attending delegations added all that was needed to make it a great evening. OG3NE really took their time to speak to all the press, both national and international as the sunset made the view from the rooftop even more stunning than it already was.

We also met with Slavko from Montenegro, Brendan Murray from Ireland and Martina Bárta from the Czech Republic and spotted Lindita from Albania who joined Slavko to sing for the birthday of Itai Eithan Shamir.

All in all a wonderful evening and we'd like to thank the Netherlands delegation for inviting us.

Check all our photos here!

All good
No dramas apart from the OMG moment when Albania and Australia swapped....stop the press huge drama :-)

Lindita is also wearing a cape, but a white hooded one. She holds that long note very easily. How does she do it?